The Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation (BCIMO)’s Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre (VLRNIC) played host to an exclusive light rail summit, ‘Light Years Ahead’, as part of Better Transport Week.
Organised by advocacy group Campaign for Better Transport (which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year), Light Years Ahead took place on Wednesday 14 June. The summit (sponsored by BCIMO and Mainspring, and supported by the Light Rail Transport Association) was one of numerous events and actions held to celebrate sustainable transport.
After an introduction from Campaign for Better Transport Campaign Manager, Michael Solomon Williams, delegates heard from UK Tram Managing Director (and keynote speaker) James Hammett, who discussed the future of light and very light rail. James stressed the importance of selecting the right solution for a given region, adding that it should enable passengers to travel seamlessly.
Next to take to the stage were BCIMO’s Director of Business and Innovation, Dr Nick Mallison, and Nicola Small, Senior Programme Manager at Coventry City Council.
Nick outlined the case for Very Light Rail (VLR), explaining how this innovative new mode could support the Government’s transport decarbonisation and future mobility efforts.
He then discussed the total system approach that is key to VLR, introducing VLRNIC’s four focus areas: vehicle, civil and infrastructure, command control and communication, and passenger experience, all underpinned by digital technologies and systems integration.
He went on to outline the relative benefits of VLR, stating that it creates low or zero emissions, and is cheaper to build, operate and maintain than heavy and light rail.
Finally, Nick discussed the market applications of VLR, which could be used on branch lines and in a range of urban environments, as well as supporting home-to-hub journeys.
Nicola then took to the stage to discuss Coventry Very Light Rail (CVLR) – a project to develop a light rail tram system for the city of Coventry. She began by outlining the key features of its flagship vehicle, which charges at the end of the line rather than relying on overhead equipment.
Nicola touched on CVLR’s cost-effective track system, designed for ease of installation and maintenance. She added that CVLR aimed to bring the cost of light rail down to £10m/km, making permanent infrastructure affordable.
She explained that CVLR had now been granted government funding to demonstrate its technology in live environments, and had already installed a replica road at the University of Warwick, enabling it to engage with utilities companies. A second test site, built at private refuse collection site Whitley Depot, is allowing it to assess the impact heavy goods vehicles will have on its track. Its final test site at the VLRNIC (comprising a 15-meter loop and 65 meters of novel track form) should be operational by August 2023.
Nicola concluded that CVLR is gradually moving towards its goal – a city demonstrator route that will showcase its technology to other regions.
She was followed by Hans Cruse, Director of Swedish association Spårvagnsstäderna, who discussed light rail trends in the Nordic countries. Hans stated that there was a good case for light rail in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, adding that passenger numbers continued to increase post-COVID.
He went on to discuss newly approved LRT projects in Bergen (Norway), Uppsala (Sweden) and Vantaa (Finland).
The audience also heard from Gordon Pratt, Managing Director of Thames Gateway Tramlink Ltd, which is looking to create a new tramway in the Thames Estuary. Gordon explained that the proposed network (known as KenEx) would connect an area as large as Greater Manchester, enabling residents to access jobs and leisure facilities.
The KenEx tramway is set to complement the Lower Thames Crossing (LTC), which will provide six lanes of roadway, connecting Kent and Essex.
Commenting on the major road-building project, Gordon said: “The Lower Thames Crossing is to provide additional road capacity without specific provision for public transport. However good, public transport is essential in this area of low car ownership and KenEx will provide access and connectivity for non-car drivers with a core aim being its connectivity to other forms of public transport, providing a comprehensive and integrated public transport solution available to all local residents.”
Finally, Matt Johnston, Managing Director of Mainspring, shared insights into the light rail market, discussing its impact, history, and key benefits. Matt added that cities across the world are developing initiatives to promote the use of light rail – including lifetime transit passes and free tickets. He also highlighted several key programmes, touching on the expansion of Midlands Metro, and the 5km Trams to Newhaven project.
The summit concluded with a tour of BCIMO’s Rail Development and Test Site, which included a look at the CVLR prototype vehicle.
Dr Nick Mallinson said: “As a hub for very light rail innovation, the VLRNIC was the obvious choice to host Light Years Ahead – and we were thrilled to bring together some of the industry’s leading voices. The summit was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate sustainable transport, share project updates, and discuss the future of light and very light rail.”
